Use of Robotics in Hand and Microsurgery in Japan

Abstract

Robots were introduced worldwide more than 20 years ago; however, no strategic plan has been made for their clinical application in the areas of hand surgery and microsurgery in Japan. Among the many advantages of the da Vinci^®, the most important for hand and micro surgeries are microscopic surgery that can be conducted endoscopically. In the present report, endoscopic microsurgeries currently conducted in Europe and the US are described. In addition, the content of the Robotic Surgery Master Course conducted using the da Vinci^® simulator, which began in August 2019 at Juntendo University Urayasu Hand Surgery Center aiming at its clinical application, is reported. We will also describe the learning curve observed during the training for mastering robotic surgery for clinical application. Lastly, we will make suggestions in order for Japan to be on the same standard level of robotic microsurgery as many other leading countries.